IFC v Castledaly

Following a first round setback against Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall, we got our Shay Murtagh Intermediate Football Championship Section B campaign back on track with a superb 1-13 to 0-9 victory over Castledaly in Tang last Saturday evening.

A contender for goal of the season from Niall Carey with four minutes of normal time remaining propelled us to a richly-deserved win after we had dominated possession in the second half and also racked up 13 wides. Castledaly had just got back onto level terms at 0-9 apiece when Carey took things into his own hands by magnificently fielding Conor Mullins’ kick-out and taking off on a 60-metre solo run through the heart of the opposing defence before finishing smartly past goalkeeper Cathal Dolan.

It was as good a goal as you’ll see anywhere and was the catalyst for a strong finale that yielded four late points as we finished with a flourish. The signs looked ominous at half-time when the scores were tied at 0-5 each after we had played with a stiff wind, but we upped our work-rate significantly after the restart to eventually pull away.

With the game in the melting pot, Carey conjured up his wonder goal to turn the tide firmly in our favour. The busy Cillian Rochford tagged on two quick points before the ever-dependable Nigel Scally put us out with sight with two more in stoppage-time, including one from a free.

Next up is a meeting with perennial IFC contenders Milltownpass on the weekend after next.

Scorers: Nigel Scally 0-7 (2 two-point frees, 2 frees), Niall Carey 1-0, Padraig Carton, Cillian Rochford and Paul Fennell (two-pointer) 0-2 each. 

Team: Conor Mullins; Martin Ward, James Fox, Mel Kiernan; Micheál Coffey, Colin Draper, Joey O’Neill; Niall Carey, Darragh Coffey; Paul Fennell, Cillian Rochford, Ray Kennedy; Padraig Carton, Nigel Scally, Dean Fitzgerald. Subs: Conor Carroll for O’Neill (21 min, injured), James Finnegan for Fennell (57 min).

Ladies make winning championship return

Our ladies capped off a memorable weekend when they marked their return to championship action after a lapse of a few years with a 4-11 to 1-5 win over St Loman’s at MJS Builds St James’ Park last Sunday morning.

On what was a big occasion for the team and management, and before a large crowd, we produced an excellent performance to run out comfortable winners. Aíne Pettit and Aleisha Fitzgerald set the tone with early points before Chloe Ruane raised our first green flag. Aíne Pettit and Ava Rochford added two more goals either side of an Aoibhinn Jackson point to leave us perched on a 3-5 to 0-4 lead at the break.

With Ayesha Roche driving us on from midfield, Rochford grabbed her second major shortly after the restart to effectively end the game as a contest. Fitzgerald, Pettit and Susan Carey continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over thereafter before the visitors managed a late consolation goal.

The girls are back in junior championship action again this Friday evening against Athlone in Páirc Ciaráin.

Team: Morna Brady; Olivia Wrafter, Jennifer Barrett, Ellie Fitzpatrick; Aislinn Carey, Chloe Ruane, Becky Scally; Ayesha Roche, Anna Wrafter; Aíne Pettit, Jill Draper (captain), Aideen Pettit; Aleisha Fitzgerald, Aoibhinn Jackson, Ava Rochford. Subs: Holly Doyle, Grace Maloney, Aoife Finn, Sharon Doonan, Susan Carey, Sarah Kiernan, Louise Whelan, Carol McCabe, Orla Brennan, Gillian Heeney, Bláithin Kelly.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 3, 7, 12 and 16. There was no jackpot. The six Match 3 winners were Angela Doonan, Eamonn Cunningham, Mel Kiernan, Shauna Ryan, Alan McCormack and Sandra Garvin.

The jackpot has been capped at €15,000 until it is won again. Make sure to buy your tickets online or at Centra, Mace and Whelan’s. Thank you for your continued support.

Oasis tickets winner

Congratulations to Niall Moran from Streamstown on winning our Oasis competition.

Niall won two tickets to see the band play at Croke Park this Saturday, August 16. A special thanks to everyone who entered and helped us raise vital funds that will go towards the further development of our club.

Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Conroy family on Margaret's passing, only a few months after she celebrated her 100th birthday. Margaret, also known as Maggie, was a lady and Kilbeggan's oldest resident. Her grandsons David and Stephen are former players of ours.

May she rest in peace.